Software Engineer Salary in Seattle (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does software engineer in Seattle make?
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In 2026, Software Engineers in Seattle earn an average annual salary of $149,172, with compensation ranging from $106,363 to $209,212. This reflects Seattle's strong tech industry and the high demand for skilled engineers.
Key Facts
- Seattle's average software engineer salary is $149,172.
- Entry-level engineers earn approximately $92,070 annually.
- Proficiency in C can lead to salaries up to $225,000.
- Seattle's cost of living is 43% higher than the national average.
- Top employers include Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $92,070 per year
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): $112,013 per year
- Senior-Level (5-8 years): $116,147 per year
- Lead-Level (8+ years): $121,977 per year
How Seattle Compares
Seattle's average software engineer salary of $149,172 is competitive compared to other major tech hubs:
- San Francisco: $150,814
- New York: $150,201
- Los Angeles: $123,371
However, Seattle's cost of living is 43% higher than the national average, which impacts overall compensation value.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in the following skills can lead to higher salaries:
- C: $225,000
- Java: $181,000
- GCP: $175,000
- TypeScript: $175,000
- Android: $175,000
Work Culture & Benefits
Top companies in Seattle offer competitive benefits, including:
- Flexible work schedules
- Remote work options
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Generous stock options
- Professional development opportunities
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in Seattle's competitive tech market, focus on developing in-demand skills like C and Java, and consider opportunities at top companies known for offering comprehensive compensation packages.
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Software Engineer Insights — Seattle
Software Engineer salaries in Seattle range from $106,363 to $209,212, a 69% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $149,172 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Seattle's cost of living index of 95/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $149,172 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in Seattle is anchored by employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in Seattle centers around expertise in Java, Python, C++, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $209,212 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Developer or Systems Engineer.
Related Roles in Seattle
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Engineer | Seattle | $81,000 - $200,027 | $113,909 |
| Frontend Engineer | Seattle | $68,000 - $141,000 | $101,995 |
| Backend Engineer | Seattle | $168,000 - $274,000 | $213,000 |
| Product Manager | Seattle | $106,693 - $230,220 | $156,725 |
| Data Scientist | Seattle | $80,000 - $162,000 | $120,443 |
| ML Engineer |
Software Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a software engineer in Seattle?
The average salary for a software engineer in Seattle is $149,172 per year.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect software engineer salaries?
Seattle's cost of living is 43% higher than the national average, which can impact the overall value of compensation packages.
Which skills can increase a software engineer's salary in Seattle?
Skills such as C, Java, and GCP are highly valued and can lead to higher salaries.
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software engineer in Seattle is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)